Royal Horseguards Hotel

Location. The Royal Horseguards Hotel reflects French-chateau style from its stately Westminster location in London, England. This historic property is positioned three blocks from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Hotel Features. This prestigious riverside hotel was constructed in 1884 as a lodging for international diplomats. The lobby's oak fireplace serves as a focal point for furnishings that include striped sofas, brass lamps, a glittering chandelier and historic British memorabilia. One Twenty-One Two restaurant is named after the nearby Old Scotland Yard police headquarters' telephone number. White table linens and silver-plated cutlery set the tone for buffet-style breakfasts or cooked-to-order lunches. Dinner menus feature European favorites. The Lounge serves drinks throughout the day and presents afternoon teas. A business centre offers two computers equipped with high-speed Internet access. Business amenities include fax, print, scanner, photocopy and courier services. Two floors of restored grand Victorian function rooms accommodate up to 250 people. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel. A complimentary 24-hour fitness room contains a television and seven pieces of cardiovascular equipment, including a rowing machine and a static bike.

Guestrooms. The Royal Horseguards Hotel is a non-smoking property that offers 280 traditional English-style or contemporary guestrooms distributed among nine floors. Accommodations include two armchairs and desks that double as vanities. Wired high-speed and wireless Internet access is available. Cable television is provided in every room. Room amenities include minibars and coffeemakers. Executive rooms are air conditioned.

Expert Tip. This property is known for its quintessentially British ambience and its strong historic connection to Scotland Yard. The hotel displays fine samples of British artifacts and Royal Horseguard memorabilia. In keeping with the British theme, a lovely flower-bedecked terrace is tucked behind the hotel which offers a wonderful vantage point for viewing the London Eye fireworks.

Renovation notice Please note that the hotel is undergoing renovations until December 2008. Wo rk will only take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week in order to minimise disturbance to guests. Please contact hotel for details.

Driving Directions: From London Heathrow Airport: Approximate distance to the hotel is 16 miles (26 kilometres)

From London Gatwick Airport: Approximate distance to the hotel is 35 miles (56 kilometres)

Getting around. Express trains travel from both airports to the center of London for transfers to taxis or the Underground. The hotel is located in the Westminster district, just off Whitehall, one block from Embankment Underground Station.

London charges congestion zone fees within clearly marked, designated areas of city. Those who operate vehicles within these zones are assessed daily fees that apply Mondays through Fridays.

The money-saving Oyster Card is a smartcard that stores up to 90 pounds of pay-as-you-go credit. It can be used on the Tubes, buses, DLR, trams and select national rail services throughout London. Oyster Cards are less expensive than single fares, and daily price capping automatically calculates the least expensive fare for single-day journeys. Oyster Cards can be purchased at the Oyster website, most Tube station ticket offices, at Oyster Ticket Stops, at select National Rail ticket offices, at select London Travel Information Centres, and by telephone at 0845 330 9876.